When words fall short, sometimes a wagging tail says everything.
At Arosa, we believe care goes beyond medication and schedules. It’s about emotional connection, dignity, and healing. That’s why we’ve partnered with Therapy Dogs of America, a national nonprofit that brings trained therapy dogs into homes and communities to offer warmth, joy, and companionship to older adults.
This partnership has already had a profound impact on the lives of Arosa clients, including two very special journeys on California’s Central Coast.
From Grief to Healing: Mr. Kayser’s Story
After Mr. Kayser lost his beloved pet in March, his family noticed a deep sadness settle over him. The bond he shared with his dog was profound, and the loss left a noticeable emptiness in his daily life.
“Understanding how deeply this affected him, we suggested to the family that they consider incorporating dog therapy into his routine,” says Nitce Ruvalcaba, Arosa’s Area Director for the Central Coast. “We had seen how much joy it had brought to another one of our clients, and we hoped it could help him, too.”
From the very first visit with a gentle therapy dog named Dandelion, the change was immediate.
“His eyes lit up, his posture lifted, and his energy shifted,” Nitce recalls. “He became noticeably more lively, engaged, and joyful. That simple moment of connection made a powerful impact.”
Even the gentle act of petting Dandelion, his hand moving slowly over soft fur, has been life-changing. “You can see the tension leave his body. His breathing slows. There’s a calm, a spark, a presence that fills the space where grief had been,” Nitce shares.Today, Mr. Kayser also enjoys regular visits from Artemis (Artie), another therapy dog he has bonded with deeply. He loves having her in his backyard, watching her run, petting her, and offering treats.
“What makes this even more special is the connection he’s built with Artemis’s owner,” says Nitce. “It started as casual conversation, but it’s grown into a trusted friendship. That’s an unexpected, but deeply meaningful, benefit of this program.”
Finding Comfort Again: Mrs. Fraser’s Journey
Mrs. Fraser was the very first Arosa client on the Central Coast to experience the impact of pet therapy. A lifelong animal lover, she had lost her two beloved dogs, Samantha and Flintheart, many years ago.
Their memory remained close to her heart, and a painted portrait of them still hangs in her home. Over time, caregivers noticed she often called out for her dogs, spoke of them with longing, and even mentioned them in her sleep.
“We could tell her bond with her dogs had never faded,” says Nitce. “That’s when we knew pet therapy might be something really special for her.”
The moment Dandelion entered her room, Mrs. Fraser lit up. “She’s beautiful,” she whispered with a smile. Encouraged by Dandelion’s handler, she reached out to pet him, and her whole demeanor softened.
“That first visit was magical,” Nitce recalls. “She talked about it for days afterward, remembering every detail with joy.”
Now, Dandelion visits her twice a month. One of her favorite moments is having him lie beside her on the bed, gently petting him and gazing at him with love and admiration. Whether they are quietly sitting together or simply sharing space, their bond is both beautiful and healing.
“For her, these visits bring back a kind of peace and happiness that’s hard to put into words,” Nitce says. “It’s a reminder that joy and connection can return in unexpected ways.”
Meet Dandelion & Artemis
Dandelion
- Breed: English Cream Golden Retriever
- Birthday: June 14, 2022
- Boy or Girl: Boy
- Weight: 61 lbs
- Favorite Toy: Bones & Balls
- Favorite Activity: Cuddles
- Motto: Eat, Play, Love!
- Fun Fact: Dandelion lives to love and be loved. His calm presence makes him the perfect snuggle companion during visits.
Artemis (Artie)
- Breed: Belgian Malinois
- Birthday: April 1, 2022
- Girl or Boy: Girl
- Weight: 61 lbs
- Favorite Toy: Giant stuffed goose
- Favorite Activity: Tricks, training, swimming, and hiking
- Motto: What’s next? Let’s go!
Fun Fact: Artie is always ready for action and keeps her people smiling with her playful energy and loyalty.
Why Dog Therapy Works
Therapy dogs don’t just bring smiles. They bring measurable benefits. Studies show that animal-assisted therapy can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and ease feelings of loneliness, especially in older adults.
But beyond the science, it’s the emotional impact that makes the difference. For Mr. Kayser, Mrs. Fraser, and so many others, therapy dogs have brought comfort, companionship, and joy back into their lives, often in ways words can’t capture.
A Partnership That Goes Beyond the Expected
Our collaboration with Therapy Dogs of America reflects Arosa’s mission to create superior models of care that serve the greatest number of clientsWhether it’s supporting emotional well-being, navigating grief, or fostering meaningful connections, we believe care should be personal, creative, and deeply compassionate.
If you are interested in learning more about Therapy Dogs of America, visit their website at https://therapydogsamerica.org/Therapy dog visits are just one of the many thoughtful ways we bring comfort to our clients in their own homes. At Arosa, this is what we mean when we say Care, Elevated.